The article discusses the changing world of work and the attendant uncertainty and loss of work-life identity. Little research has been done on career development and life design in the early years of a person's life, especially in developing countries characterized by disadvantage. The underlying theoretical models of career development are reviewed accompanied by a discussion of the theory of life design counselling in terms of the role of stories and meaning-making and pursuing purpose in the counselling process. The importance of promoting career development and life design in the early years is also discussed with the focus on developmental tasks that must be completed successfully in childhood to motivate learners to set and realize specific goals. Ultimately, the goal is to prepare young people to manage the complexities of their career journeys and career-related transitions, not only in the early years but, indeed, throughout their working lives.